3 Rivers Plaza in Phoenix is an anomaly. They have a first class Thai restaurant here at the south end of the plaza, one that's surprisingly good. They also have a decent Chinese takeout joint. But if you get up early – like crack-of-dawn early – and visit the north end of the plaza, you'll find a sugar-soaked gem. It's open Tue – Sat 6 AM – 1 PM, and Sunday 8 AM – 1 PM, closed Mondays. Tucked into a tiny, tiny spot near a dental office (how appropriate!), you'll find Just Donuts. And find it you must.

I've said before, my favorite dessert is another lobster tail. But that doesn't mean I don't like sweet stuff. I've never really gone out of my way for confections, but I just might if this place stays open. If you like truly hand-made sugary delights, you'll have to make your way up to Just Donuts. Even though these are hand prepared, you can still buy them by the dozen. And why they don't charge more is a mystery to me.

The interior is rough wood, maybe old barn board. It almost seems like it was put together over a weekend, with a "We'll make it look nice later" attitude, but frankly I couldn't see it looking any other way. The actual donut machine is a small machine that sends the Old Fashioned rings through the oil and drops them off on a rack. Most mornings they have several flavors: I've seen plain, chocolate, blueberry, cherry, cider, cinnamon and a few others. You ask for a donut flavor, a sauce flavor, and a topping. The first one I got was a plain donut dipped in peanut butter sauce, topped with chunks of Reese's Peanut Butter Cups. They also have a plain sugar glaze, and others. I don't remember what all, because frankly I was too excited. Toppings include things like coconut flakes, Fruity Pebbles cereal, and jelly. My last trip netted me a chocolate donut with peanut butter sauce and jelly. And maybe it's just been luck, but they've all been warm, just out of the frier!

There's no place to sit inside, just a counter where they have pump dispensers of Paul de Lima coffee, although there is a bench right outside the door. So far I've paid between $1.08 and $1.68 for different single donuts, before leaving change in the tip cup. Like I said – worth at least double!

Here's the thing; they're only open mornings to early afternoon. If you work a 9 to 5 somewhere, tell them you have an early doctor's appointment one day and drive up to Phoenix. Get a donut and a cup of coffee, and be a heathen and inhale it in the car. Then proudly walk back in and order another. Tell your friends about this place. Hell, bring 'em up! But only a few of them – you don't want this place to be swamped. Right now, two customers is a crowd, and three's an absolute traffic jam.

Just ordered a dozen to bring to work with me. They are a HIT! Like others have said, we’re cutting them into smaller pieces so everyone gets a taste. Definately going to make this a regular stop on mornings when we need a great tasting pick me up!